Good and bad – too simple when it comes to cholesterol

Dr. Weeks’ Comment: Let’s be clear: the human body is pretty sophisticated and wise. If it sees fit to increase LDL cholesterol, it might be for a good reason and we might be wise to wonder before we condemn this physiological state. Let’s also remember that LDL is like a taxi which delivers things from the liver to the periphery whereas HDH, does the opposite: it delivers things from the periphery to the liver. Therefore, LDL was considered dangerous because, if the concern is “clogged” arteries, then the taxi that brings things to the congestion is considered “bad”. But wait a minute, the LDL can also be thought of as… a snow plow or dump truck which can serve to de-congest the periphery! Elevated levels of LDL are often associated with toxins (see article below) and other threats to health. Is LDL the problem? Or is it the messenger which indicates another problem exists? For example: LDL can be understood as the “calvary riding over the hill to the rescue”… it delivers inflammatory cytokines to the site of infection and delivers many remedies to the periphery. Read more about good and bad cholesterol here and read the article below!

“….It was found that children and teens with the highest PFOA concentration had total cholesterol levels that were 4.6 points higher and LDL levels that were 3.8 points higher than those with the lowest PFOA levels…”

Association of Perfluoroalkyl Acids and Cholesterol Levels in Children and Teens.
Source: Archives of Pediatrics Adolescent Medicine

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that occurs naturally in all parts of the body. The body needs some cholesterol to work properly. But if there is too much cholesterol in the blood, it can stick to the walls of the arteries (EDITOR: only if there is inflammation!) . This is called plaque. Plaque can the arteries or even block them. High levels of cholesterol in the blood (EDITOR: in the presence of inflammation) can increase the risk of heart disease. Cholesterol levels tend to rise with age. There are usually no signs or symptoms that indicate high blood cholesterol, but it can be detected with a blood test. Chances of having high cholesterol would include if family members have it, being overweight or eating lot of fatty foods.

HDL is the “good” cholesterol which helps keep the LDL (bad) cholesterol from getting lodged into artery walls. LDL cholesterol is the “bad” cholesterol. When too much of it circulates in the blood (EDITOR: perhaps in response to toxins), it can clog arteries, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. To lower cholesterol levels exercise and eating more fruits and vegetables is advised. Also, medication may be prescribed to help lower cholesterol levels. (EDITOR: even though this might be handcuffing the healing corrective response)

Perfluoroalkyl acids are used in the manufacture of fluoropolymers, which humans are exposed to through everything from dust to water to food packaging to microwave popcorn and non-stick heat resistance in cookware and waterproof fabrics and upholstery. A study published in the September Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine has found that chemicals, known as perfluoroalkyl acids, used to manufacture non-stick pots and pans may be responsible for increased cholesterol levels in children and adolescents.

Researchers collected blood samples from over 12,000 subjects between the ages of 1 year to 17.9 years in areas of Ohio and West Virginia where drinking water had been contaminated with one of the perfluoroalkyl acids known as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). It was found that children and teens with the highest PFOA concentration had total cholesterol levels that were 4.6 points higher and LDL levels that were 3.8 points higher than those with the lowest PFOA levels.Although the researchers note that more studies are required to prove that chemical exposure was the cause, there does appear to be an association between the chemicals and higher cholesterol levels in young people.1

This web site is neither for advertising nor dispensing of medical advice. Clients who consult with Dr. Weeks receive information in an educational context in an effort to learn about optimizing care with their local health care practitioners. Dr. Weeks formerly practiced on Whidbey Island off the coast of Washington.

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Dr. Weeks’ Comment: Let’s be clear: the human body is pretty sophisticated and wise. If it sees fit to increase LDL cholesterol, it might be for a good reason and we might be wise to wonder before we condemn this physiological state. Let’s also remember that LDL is like a taxi which…